“Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake” Review by Nick Navarro
Revisiting the earliest roots of “Dragon Quest” in a modern light felt like stepping into gaming history through a stained-glass window, bright, reflective, and full of reverence. Having never played the original versions of “Dragon Quest” I or II, I came into this HD-2D remake with fresh eyes and genuine curiosity. I’d always admired the series from afar and have dabbled in some of the later titles, but this was my first time experiencing these two adventures that set the foundation for the genre itself. Developed by ARTDINK and published by Square Enix, this remake follows the excellent “Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake” from last year, once again utilizing Team Asano’s dazzling art style to bridge the gap between nostalgia and modern design.
At first glance, the visual presentation instantly drew me in. The HD-2D aesthetic, previously seen in “Triangle Strategy” and “Octopath Traveler,” remains one of the most captivating ways to reinterpret classic RPGs. The combination of high-quality pixel art and subtle 3D layering gives the world of Alefgard a storybook quality that’s both cozy and grand. Towns glisten with life, dungeons glow with torchlight, and every battle feels staged against a vibrant diorama. It’s a perfect fit for “Dragon Quest,” and the sense of warmth that radiates from this art direction makes exploring even the simplest locations feel rewarding. The remake lets you choose between “Dragon Quest I” and “Dragon Quest II” from the start, making it easy to experience either adventure at your own pace. The first game tells a straightforward but satisfying tale about a descendant of the legendary hero Erdrick, setting out to defeat the Dragonlord and restore peace to Alefgard. It’s a minimalist story by today’s standards, but that simplicity is part of its charm. There’s something refreshing about embarking on a pure hero’s journey, one free of excessive twists or subplots, where every victory feels personal and hard-earned.
“Dragon Quest II,” meanwhile, broadens the scope considerably. Set generations later, it follows the descendants of Erdrick as they unite to repel another wave of darkness threatening the world. This time around, the adventure introduces a full party system, complete with the Prince of Midenhall, the Prince and Princess of Cannock, and the Princess of Moonbrooke (yes, I’m aware the word “prince” is very overused), each bringing their own abilities and personality to the journey. The dynamic between the royal cousins adds just enough character interplay to keep the story engaging, and the inclusion of the Princess of Cannock, new to this remake, helps round out the group both narratively and mechanically. Battles maintain the series’ trademark turn-based structure, but everything feels smoother and more balanced than expected. Each encounter strikes that delicate line between classic difficulty and modern pacing. Spells and abilities are clearly explained, enemy animations are delightfully expressive, and the orchestral score accompanying each fight adds a surprising level of intensity. The developers have smartly updated several elements, such as improved movement speed, clearer menus, and better navigation through dungeons, without ever compromising the old-school rhythm that defines early “Dragon Quest.”
As I played, I wanted to know what some of the numerous small but thoughtful details were that show how carefully this remake was assembled. I found that torches now naturally light up caverns, eliminating the need for the old “Glow” spell, which makes exploration feel more atmospheric. The orchestral rearrangements elevate nearly every moment, from the triumphant overworld theme to the quieter melodies that accompany your travels. Certain environments have been reimagined to better suit the HD-2D perspective, and they feel like love letters to the original maps rather than total overhauls. Where the remake truly surprised me, though, was in its additional content. Both games include new boss encounters such as the Goregoyle, Lunagriff, and the descendant of Robbin’ ’Ood, all of which fit seamlessly into their respective stories. There are even new narrative scenes that add flavor to the worlds; moments like Belial’s fiery rampage or Pazuzu’s appearance in the Great Conflagration help flesh out the mythos without overcomplicating things. These additions give returning fans new reasons to revisit the classics while providing first-timers like me a richer experience from the start.
If there’s one small area where the remakes could have gone further, it’s in offering the original versions as an optional mode or bonus feature. It would have been fascinating to directly compare how the genre evolved from its earliest design philosophies just by toggling a button on and off. That said, this new package stands confidently on its own. The refinements, the expanded storytelling, and the gorgeous presentation make it hard to imagine going back to anything else. Across both adventures, the pacing feels well-tuned, the combat remains engaging, and the presentation shines from start to finish. The two games complement each other beautifully, “Dragon Quest I” as a humble and shorter-than-expected beginning, and “Dragon Quest II” as a grand step forward feast, both narratively and mechanically. Experiencing them together in one collection feels like reading the opening chapters of a timeless saga, now told with modern clarity.
Ultimately, “Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake” accomplishes exactly what it set out to do: honor the origins of a legendary franchise while inviting a new generation to experience them without compromise. It’s a superbly crafted collection that balances reverence with innovation, ensuring that these foundational adventures don’t just survive, they thrive. For me, discovering where it all began has been an unforgettable journey, and I can’t think of a better way to start the Erdrick Trilogy anew.
9/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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